Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5). Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Vikings (2-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa — TV: FOX
*TV announcers: Justin Kutcher, David Diehl, Laura Okmin
*Keys to the game: The Vikings hit the road determined to improve the protection for rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who has been sacked 13 times the past two weeks. They will also see former head coach Leslie Frazier, who now oversees a Bucs defense ranked last in points allowed (34.0 per game), total yardage (422.8) and pass defense (294.5). Tampa Bay ranks 25th in sacks per pass play, and no individual has more than two. That’s music to the ears of the Vikings’ offensive line, which ranks last in sacks allowed per pass play.
The Bucs had a bye week to digest their latest embarrassing effort, a 48-17 setback to the Ravens in Week 6. For Tampa Bay to push the game into the fourth quarter, it must run the ball effectively behind Bobby Rainey, who has been far more effective than Doug Martin (2.9 yards per carry). QB Mike Glennon has played well at times, but the offensive line doesn’t hold protection for long. A quick start is critical — Glennon has a 30.2 passer rating on his first 10 pass attempts of games and the Bucs have too often found themselves staring at massive early deficits.
*Matchup to watch — Vikings LT Matt Kalil vs. Bucs DE Michael Johnson: Kalil is tied for the league lead in both sacks allowed (eight) and pressures (27). Johnson is tied for the team lead in sacks, but that’s not saying much with just 2.0. The Bucs clearly expect more production for the five-year, $43.75 million deal they gave Johnson over the offseason.
*Player spotlight — Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon: The former triple-option quarterback at Georgia Southern has impressed with his big-play potential and averaged 5.1 yards per carry. However, at just 5-9 while still learning the intricacies of the position, he also ranks as the league’s worst pass-blocking back, according to Pro Football Focus.
*Fast facts: The Bucs have won the past six meetings dating back to 2002, the final season the teams were NFC Central rivals. … McKinnon has been charged with two sacks allowed and five pressures in 24 snaps as a pass protector, per Pro Football Focus.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Bridgewater has shown poise and good decision-making when given decent time to survey the field. The Bucs don’t rush the passer well, and therefor are limited in their ability to exploit the Vikings’ biggest weakness.
*Our pick: Vikings 28-20
